MONROVIA, Liberia — Liberia has been elected to the International Board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), defeating Nigeria in a competitive election that also included Zambia, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.
Liberia and Zambia secured the two available international seats after the three countries contested for the positions. The election represents a significant achievement for Liberia, particularly following its suspension from the EITI in September 2018.
Liberia’s return to the international board signals a major shift in its relationship with the global transparency initiative and highlights what officials and supporters describe as progress in the country’s natural-resource governance and transparency efforts.
The development comes on the heels of Liberia’s improved performance in the EITI validation process. In July 2026, Liberia recorded its highest EITI score since 2016, earning 80 points under the 2023 EITI Standard, along with an additional point for corrective action.
The improved score has been viewed as an indication of progress in strengthening transparency, disclosure and governance across Liberia’s extractive industries.
Liberia’s election to the EITI International Board is expected to give the country a stronger voice in shaping international policies and standards related to natural-resource governance.
Strong performance under the EITI framework can also contribute to increased investor confidence, improved domestic revenue mobilization and greater institutional accountability by promoting the disclosure of information on extractive-sector revenues, contracts, beneficial ownership and the management of natural resources.
The achievement has also generated calls for recognition of the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for its role in advancing transparency and governance reforms.
Credit has also been extended to LEITI Head Jeffrey Yates, whose election to the EITI International Board provides Liberia with an opportunity to participate directly in the international body’s decision-making processes.
Liberia’s latest achievement marks a notable transformation in its EITI journey.
The country was suspended from the initiative in September 2018, but its subsequent efforts to improve transparency, strengthen reporting and address corrective actions have helped restore its standing within the global transparency framework.
Liberia’s progression from suspension to securing a seat on the EITI International Board is being viewed by supporters as evidence of the country’s renewed commitment to transparency and responsible management of its natural resources.
With its new position, Liberia will have an opportunity to contribute to international discussions on extractive-sector governance while sharing experiences and lessons from its own reform process.
The election is therefore being regarded as both a national achievement and an opportunity for Liberia to demonstrate stronger leadership in promoting openness, accountability and responsible natural-resource management across Africa.